There are big changes happening at Microsoft Games Studios this morning.
After several starts and stops over the years, Microsoft has announced plans to cease development on Fable Legends. This announcement comes just a few months after developer Lionhead Studios delayed the free-to-play title’s launch from Late 2015 to Spring 2016. Sadly, it’s not just the end for Fable Legends, Microsoft is currently in discussions with representatives from Lionhead about the proposed closure of the studio.
Microsoft also confirmed that Press Play Studios, the team behind Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba, will also close its doors. The Danish studio was working on a multiplayer survival game known as Project Knoxville, but it too will be canceled.
Microsoft released a statement about the closures through the Xbox Wire:
These have been tough decisions and we have not made them lightly, nor are they a reflection on these development teams – we are incredibly fortunate to have the talent, creativity and commitment of the people at these studios. The Lionhead Studios team has delighted millions of fans with the Fable series over the past decade. Press Play imbued the industry with a unique creative spirit behind games like Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba, which both captured passionate fans. These changes are taking effect as Microsoft Studios continues to focus its investment and development on the games and franchises that fans find most exciting and want to play.
We wish everyone at Lionhead and Press Play the best of luck in the future.